Gear: 94Fifty Smart Sensor Basketball

Dante A. Ciampaglia |
January 8th 2014, 8:22 am

Let's say you're out on the court, shooting some hoops with your buddies. You're having a lot of fun, but are you improving your basketball skills? Thanks to a new connected basketball, now you can see where you dominate — and where you need to improve.

The 94Fifty Smart Sensor Basketball is a regulation-size rock, but under its skin is something unique: a pliable container holding nine sensors that measure key skills such as dribble power, shot-release speed and arc, and backspin. The ball gathers information based on the workouts and drills loaded in the 94Fifty app. Using a Bluetooth connection, the ball sends data to the app, which gives you instant feedback on the areas you need to work on. The app then adjusts its workouts as you improve, allowing you to develop better muscle memory, core strength, and, of course, basketball skills.

The ball can be used on all surfaces, both indoors and outside, so you can always grab it, shoot around, build your basketball skills, and just be physically active. But you will need an Apple device, like an iPad or iPhone, to use the 94Fifty app (an Android-friendly version is on the way.) At a price of $299, the 94Fiftty is a bit pricey. But if you're serious about hoops, it's a piece of gear you'll want to pick up.

Here's a short video to give you an idea of how the 94Fifty ball and app works: